Burnley

Tom Gayle
MOTD Commentator

Image source, Getty Images

For a few weeks now, Burnley had made it clear Hannibal Mejbri was on the verge of his return from a hamstring injury. I can't lie, after receiving the team news at Elland Road, I questioned the wisdom of whether his first game back should have been away at Leeds United.

This season the midfielder received a four-match ban and was given a £15,000 fine after admitting to spitting at Leeds supporters during Burnley's 2-0 victory at Turf Moor back in October.

The warmth of 'reception' was as you would expect. Being the last name on the teamsheet, it was a long build-up to the inevitable boos which followed "Hannibal" being read out by the stadium announcer.

A few behind the dugouts let their feelings be known as the 23-year-old made his way past to the visitors bench prior to kick-off. Midway through the first half, there was the sight of Hannibal receiving what appeared to be a one-man security escort as he made his way back to the tunnel.

Hannibal's eventual introduction came in the 54th minute. Despite still being soaked in the jubilation of Noah Okafor's goal, the vibes quickly changed as the Tunisian international's run onto the field was sound-tracked by a cacophony of jeers.

There was no let-up, his every touch was met by boos. In my eyes, there was more than one attempt from Leeds players to 'leave one on' the Burnley substitute. The pantomime bingo card-esque scenes were completed by loud cheers which greeted, firstly, Ethan Amadu's booking following a shoulder-high pull back on Hannibal, before Hannibal himself when he was cautioned for a late challenge on Brenden Aaronson.

When I questioned interim head coach Mike Jackson on the selection decision, there was no pondering within his response. "I always knew the reaction he would get. I said to Hannibal before the game, don't antagonise the crowd, just go on and show your quality."

While spitting towards someone is reviled across society, in the end, this may be seen as a win-win. Leeds supporters grasped the opportunity to vent their frustrations at Hannibal's indefensible actions, whereas Burnley were able to see the return of a talented and creative player.

We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League fixture between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Robert: Fully deserved three points. Our players once again stood up to be counted when it really mattered. Nearly safe now!

Christopher: Delighted with the win but we seemed a bit nervy seeing the game out. We're so much better yet seemed to make it tough for ourselves unnecessarily.

Eric: The major thing here is the three points - priceless. However, once again Leeds made it hard for themselves in a game they should have killed off by half-time. But they came out second half and did the business - and a good job too because we started to let Burnley get back into it in the final 20 minutes.

Hanif: Fantastic. Been a tough season, with highs and lows, but determination and true grit has seen us get to this point where our Premier League status is all but secured. Well done, Leeds.

Burnley fans

Peter: A shocking defensive display. No shape, ball watching and thanks but goodbye to our goalkeeper, who was responsible for two of the goals. There is a nucleus of players who are good enough for the challenge next season, so we need a couple of decent additions and, most importantly, a manager who is not only a good friend to the players but a good coach and inspiration as well. Come back, Craig Bellamy.

Steve: The players have no team spirit - there's no fight there. We seem to constantly want to play out from the back and invariably lose the ball. When we get into the opponent’s half the team is lost - there's no attacking mentality.

Jack: What do you expect when you have five at the back and still room given for the first goal? Diabolical. I just don't get it. Not one of this team should be wearing the Burnley shirt. For once, I believe we need a completely new team next season.

Peter: Again and again we showed that Premier League football was a step too far for this collection of players. We can only hope that next season’s squad is better. It would be nice to have something to cheer.

Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We started the game a bit jittery. I knew this could go one of two ways with what has happened in the last 24 hours, and I knew there could be some nerves and anxiety. I think we grew into the game in the back end of the first half and we started the second quiet well, but then again at this level you can't give away errors that lead to goals and ultimately that has cost us in the end.

"We wait sometimes to get going, to go a goal down and then it is like 'ok let's go'. We need to give ourselves a better chance by competing from the start.

"Win a game of football. It is as simple as that. I don't look at anything else in terms of outside. Strip it all back and it's about trying to win a game of football between now and the end of the season, to give our supporters something to hold onto to go into next year. That is the sole focus. It is up to us now as a group of staff to bring these lads together and to try to give them that confidence because it is difficult when you are down there."

On who is in the frame to take the reigns going forward: "This is just coming less than 24 hours. That for me is as far away from my thoughts as possible. No one has spoken about anything to do with that. The club and players have had to deal with the manager leaving who was really close to ourselves and the group."

Did you know?

• Burnley fell to their 23rd defeat of the Premier League season, only the fourth time they have lost that often in a league campaign, after 1975-76 (23), 2009-10 (24), and 2023-24 (24).

• Burnley have lost each of their last four away league games all by a margin of 2+ goals; it's their longest losing run by two or more goals on the road in the league since January 2010 (5 in a row).

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It has been a bruising few days for Burnley.

Only eight days after their relegation to the Championship was confirmed, the club announced that popular head coach Scott Parker had left his position by mutual consent.

Less than 48 hours later, this defeat to high-flying Leeds United underlined the contrasting fortunes of the two sides since their return to the Premier League.

Last May, Leeds pipped Burnley to the Championship title on goal difference after both sides amassed 100 points.

But less than 12 months on, the gap between them is far more significant - now standing at five places and 23 points.

That is because Leeds, despite a stuttering start, have emerged as one of the Premier League's surprise packages this season. Farke's side have won 10 of their 35 games and are all but safe from relegation.

Burnley, by contrast, have managed just four wins all season and have been stuck in the relegation zone since November.

This is not just a defeat that must serve as a lesson, but the season as a whole. Since their relegation in 2022 after six consecutive years in the top flight, Burnley have yo-yoed between the first and second tiers.

It is clear that the model Burnley and working towards has it flaws and will require significant changes in the summer if they are to not only to secure another promotion, but to re-establish themselves as a competitive Premier League side.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Burnley's display?

Come back on Saturday for a selection of your replies

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made three changes to the side that lost against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, defender Gabriel Gudmundsson and midfielder Brenden Aaronson are replaced by Karl Darlow, James Justin and Anton Stach, who returns from a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Rodon, Justin; Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Perri, Byram, Bornauw, Longstaff, Aaronson, James, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha

In the opposite dugout, interim Burnley manager Michael Jackson has named the same XI that lost to Manchester City in the Premier League nine days ago.

Burnley XI: Dubravka, Walker, Humphreys, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Laurent, Ward-Prowse; Anthony, Flemming, Tchaouna

Subs: Weiss, Worrall, Ugochukwu, Edwards, Florentino, Pires, Amdouni, Broja, Hannibal

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United host Burnley on Friday (20:00 BST) needing the points to virtually end any relegation concerns. Burnley, already relegated and now managerless after Scott Parker left the club on Thursday, have little but pride at stake.

Can Leeds pull clear of danger?

Leeds know a win would increase pressure on the other relegation candidates ahead of the weekend. The Whites have often been competitive this season, rarely dominating possession but creating enough chances to stay in games. The issue has been turning those moments into comfortable wins, particularly at home.

Nowhere is that clearer than after the half-time interval. Leeds have conceded 15 second half league goals at Elland Road and when matches are level or Leeds hold a narrow lead, Farke's side tend to slow the tempo and protect central areas rather than push for a decisive second goal. Control becomes caution – and pressure follows.

Greater calm in front of goal could make the difference. Forward Noah Okafor has emerged as Leeds' most reliable finisher since early February, scoring five Premier League goals in that period. Only Morgan Gibbs-White and Viktor Gyokeres have scored more in the same spell. If Friday's game remains tight into the latter stages, Leeds will need that efficiency.

Will pride drive managerless Burnley at Elland Road?

Burnley's return to the Premier League has again proved short-lived, with relegation confirmed by last week's defeat by Manchester City. With the club now managerless, there is a possibility they play with a degree of freedom – but their away form offers little reassurance.

The pattern has been familiar. Burnley often start competitively, pressing with energy and keeping their shape. However, as intensity drops, gaps appear and opponents take advantage.

They have conceded 25 first half away goals and remain the league's most porous defence, with 68 goals conceded overall.

If Leeds are looking for encouragement, it may come from that contrast in resilience. This fixture has the feel of a match shaped by patience and timing: one side trying to avoid the late game issues that have haunted their season, the other vulnerable once momentum turns against them. How Leeds manage that balance after the break could decide the outcome.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on who should become the next Burnley manager after the club announced Scott Parker's exit on Thursday.

Here are some of your comments:

Isaac: Has to be Craig Bellamy, knows the club inside out and the fans already like him. No doubt in my mind.

Ted: Craig would be a great choice but also the managers proven taking a small club to successful - Thomas Frank, Liam Rosenior, even, dare I suggest, John Eustace - could get us all enjoying, believing and just loving coming to football again!

Kevin: What about Rosenior, he did a great job before moving to Chelsea then getting sacked. I think he'll be a good fit for us in the Championship.

Dusty: Bellamy would be my first choice closely followed by Dyche. The main issue is player recruitment because Burnley did not buy well last summer. Poor judgement by the club buying too many players with no proven record in the Premier League. We need someone who can attract quality to join Burnley and play to win.

Andy: Craig Bellamy, Steven Gerrard or Sean Dyche are suitable to get the club out of this mess and stop them from doing a Leicester City and dropping into the third tier.

Thomas: Will the Burnley board admit they got it wrong and re-employ Sean Dyche? I very much doubt it. If not please don't go for a so-called big name like Steven Gerrard.

The Burnley fans never really seemed to take to Scott Parker but his biggest problem was Sunderland and Leeds being more competitive than the Clarets as promoted clubs this season.

Burnley are down and searching for a new manager, but Leeds go marching on together - they have had an outstanding campaign under Daniel Farke even if their performance against Chelsea in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final was disappointing compared to their recent form.

If Leeds lose this, then it is squeaky bum time for them with games to come against Tottenham and West Ham, but they won't mess up.

For me, this is the result that will secure their safety. Yes, there would still be work to do, but if there ever was a gimme this season then it is playing Burnley at home.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Scott Read
BBC Radio Lancashire journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The fourth paragraph down on the official press release confirming the departure of Scott Parker tells you everything about how much he is regarded by Burnley's board and chairman Alan Pace.

The prospect of even sitting down with this manager to discuss whether they can or should go on would have been unthinkable 12 months ago.

Parker has represented himself and the club impeccably during his time as manager and he was deeply admired and respected throughout the football club.

He once said to me in a pre-match news conference "let's be different" when asked about the criticism he was receiving from some supporters, which at times felt it was beyond what was responsible.

The football club has been trending this way for some time. Sean Dyche was sacked with the club in the Premier League's relegation zone. Vincent Kompany failed to keep them up. Parker joins the list - but this is not entirely on Scott.

The club's recruitment policy under Kompany failed. Highly successful loan players left following promotion and younger recruits with potential sell-on value were signed. And relegation followed.

They changed their approach under Parker. Loan players were signed with obligations to buy and they won promotion once again. Almost half of the money spent in the summer window this season were signings they were obliged to make. And relegation followed.

And now, for a third successive Championship campaign, they will go into a summer surrounded by uncertainty, needing a new manager and all the upheaval that brings.

Burnley wanted Kompany to stay and bring them back up, and before a ball was kicked this season the club would have wanted the same with Parker.

The Championship is littered with examples of mismanagement and poor decisions.

Look how quickly things have unravelled for Leicester City. How long is it since Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Stoke City played in the top flight? The list goes on.

If you don't bounce back straight away it becomes increasingly difficult to bounce back at all.

Be careful what you wish for - the good ones don't come around very often.

Back to that fourth paragraph down on the club's press release and some of the words used; "professionalism", "dedication", "respect" and "gratitude".

Who would you like to be the next Burnley boss now that Parker has gone?

Send us your views here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley hold an interest in Wales manager Craig Bellamy as they begin the process of replacing Scott Parker, but face an uphill battle to convince him to return to Turf Moor.

Parker left the club on Thursday following Burnley's relegation from the Premier League last week, with the Clarets now turning their attention to appointing his successor.

Several sources have told BBC Sport that Burnley view Bellamy as a serious candidate for the position.

Bellamy previously coached at Burnley under former boss Vincent Kompany and was among the candidates for the top job prior to Parker's appointment in 2024.

However, he is enjoying his time with Wales and is said to be relishing the opportunity to lead the nation at a home European Championship in 2028.

He is also understood to have some reservations about the current make-up of the Burnley squad and how much work may be required this summer, with a number of players expected to depart.

Elsewhere, Steven Gerrard has been heavily linked with the position, but there has been no formal contact from Burnley so far.

Sources have also indicated that the Clarets have made checks on Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

Who do you want to next take charge of the Clarets? Which choice would be best to get the club back to the Premier League?

Get in touch with your views here

Read more on Scott Parker's departure from Burnley

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It should never have taken this long, but Parker has gone. And an almighty sigh of relief has rippled across the Burnley fanbase.

But what a waste of a season. We've achieved nothing, have gone backwards rather than forwards and are no closer to finding the grit we need to try and compete at this level.

I feel a real level of confusion as to what our overall strategy was. If Parker was sacked because his primary objective was survival, then that means avoiding relegation was fundamental. Which, in turn, suggests the club should have done everything they could to avoid that happening, including sacking a desperately under-performing manager when it could have made a difference and achieved that very goal!

Perhaps it was financial - do we have to pay less in compensation if he didn't achieve survival?

Whatever the justification, every decision in this process has just felt so very odd.

Parker has left with the dignity you'd expect from a man of his grace. Conversations like this are horrible on a human level - it's never nice to publicly scrutinise someone on a global stage and advocate for their employment to come to an end. But the reality is Parker is not yet at a stage where he can effectively manage at Premier League level and Burnley simply don't have the luxury of allowing someone to learn on the job.

We need to get back to mounting a realistic campaign for survival.

Who do we get now?

Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard are early candidates being named in the media. Does Mike Jackson get a second chance to claim the job on a permanent basis?

Bellamy knows the club well, but has had a disappointing campaign with Wales, failing to qualify with one of the best sqauds they've ever had and with an expanded World Cup. Jackson so very nearly kept us up in his first spell in charge, but doesn't have the experience as a first-team coach.

Gerrard feels a risk, and often gets put in that "great player doesn't make a great coach" bracket, but given the success Frank Lampard has found this season with Coventry then perhaps that alumni of Premier League greats can finally shine as coaches?

I said this a few days ago and I say it again. Whoever you get, get it right!

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

Scott Parker has had to endure another torrid time in the Premier League as manager.

Parker's 664-day reign at Burnley has ended in disappointing fashion as he leaves the Clarets eight days after being relegated from the top flight.

On three occasions, Parker has proved his pedigree in regrouping a relegated side and returning them to the Premier League.

However, it's in the top division where Parker has come unstuck with Bournemouth,Fulham and now Burnley.

After stints in the Premier League and Championship, the 45-year-old chose a different route and opted for European management.

But 12 games into his tenure at Belgian side Club Bruges, he was sacked.

It was at Turf Moor where the former Premier League player would have an emphatic return to football management.

The Clarets secured 100 points alongside Leeds United last season to secure their promotion and Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire that he spent a "year contemplating" after his time in Belgium.

Unfortunately for Parker, his style and winless runs had already prompted some fans to turn against him.

One Burnley fan on this page said: "Parker has shown at Bournemouth, Fulham and Burnley that the Championship is his limit."

Whether that is the case - he undoubtedly will be "contemplating" where it all went wrong during his final season at Burnley.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Scott Parker's departure, its timing and whether you agree with the club's decision.

Here are some of your comments:

Mike: You have to wonder why the director of football hasn't been sacked along with those responsible for recruitment. It's not all Parker's fault.

Paul: Parker has tried hard but not succeeded and his departure is well overdue. Looking forward to a more proactive approach from a new manager who can instill a positive, winning mindset in the squad.

Bob: Great in the Championship but it's been difficult in the Premier league. Let down by our recruitment and our board. That won't change with a new manager. I wish him every success wherever he goes. Thank you.

Alan: Useless. What on earth is the Burnley board doing? Their ineptitude is beyond belief. If Parker had to go it was at Christmas, what is the point now? They must have a list of possible replacements so three weeks is not going to make the slightest difference. Parker should at least have been given the respect of being allowed to leave with a full season under his belt, rather than maintaining the tag of unable to manage a complete Premier League season. Disgraceful.

Barry: I think Scott Parker is an honest football person and he has conducted himself this season as a true gentleman. What you need to ask yourself is whether anyone else would have got more out of this current squad? And probably not. I wish Scott all the very best.

Richard: The Sean Dyche legacy of "legs, hearts, minds" and "the minimum requirement is maximum effort" has gone missing this season after such a strong promotion. I wish Scott Parker well and look forward to a return to the days when visiting teams hate coming to the Turf.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley's pre-match news conference, which was scheduled to take place at 14:00 BST, has been cancelled.

The club have confirmed no media duties will be undertaken before Friday's Premier League fixture at Leeds United.

Image source, Getty Images

Scott Parker has issued a statement in the wake of his departure from Turf Moor.

"It has been an immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years. I have enjoyed every moment of our journey together, but feel that now is the right time for both parties to move in a different direction.

"I reflect back with great pride on what we achieved during my time at the club, especially our unforgettable promotion season in 2024-25, and it was a true honour to lead this team into the Premier League.

"I would like to thank Alan and the ownership group for their support during my time at the club. My thanks also go to the fantastic and tireless staff behind the scenes and, most importantly, to the players, who have given me everything since the first day I arrived.

"Finally, thank you to the Burnley fans. I wish you all and this great club nothing but the very best for the future."

How do you view Parker's overall time in charge? What legacy does he leave at Turf Moor?

Send us your comments here

Image source, PA Media

Here's Burnley's full statement on Scott Parker's departure.

"Scott Parker has left his position as head coach of Burnley Football Club by mutual consent.

"Following confirmation of the club's relegation from the Premier League last week, Parker and the Board held discussions and mutually agreed that his time at Turf Moor would conclude.

"During his tenure at Turf Moor, Parker guided the Clarets to a record-breaking season in the 2024-25 campaign, securing Burnley promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, with a 33-match unbeaten run, keeping a remarkable 30 clean sheets.

"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Scott for his professionalism, dedication and contribution. He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected with Burnley Football Club.

"Mike Jackson, supported by the existing backroom staff, will take interim charge for the Clarets' remaining four Premier League fixtures, beginning with Friday's match away to Leeds United.

"The process of appointing a new permanent head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season has begun."

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley head coach Scott Parker has left the club by mutual consent, eight days after their relegation from the Premier League.

Parker guided the Clarets to a record-breaking 2024-25 campaign, securing promotion from the Championship with a with a 31-match unbeaten run.

They have won just four of their 34 league games this season and have taken only one point from their past eight matches.

Parker's assistant Mike Jackson will take charge of the side for the last four games of the season.

If you scroll down this page you'll see you had your say on Parker's future earlier this week (11:16 BST on Tuesday). What do you make of the timing of the decision now it's happened? And how do you view Parker's overall time in charge at Turf Moor? What legacy does he leave?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Scott Parker should remain as boss next season or leave the club after being relegated to the Championship.

Here are some of your comments:

Bob: Parker should stay. We don't need any more upheaval. He can get us out of the Championship. I think he will have learnt a lot about his tactics and the fans expectations. We go again.

Mark: He needs to go ASAP. We've been dreadful all season with Parker at the helm. We need a fresh start and somebody with fresh ideas and tactics to give us some spark. A lot of Burnley fans say keep him, he does well in the Championship. He may do, but he can't do it in the Premier League and has no tactical knowledge on how to play in the Premier League. I'd go for Thomas Frank, who personally knows how to win the Championship and knows the Premier League.

Steve: Scott could very well do his specialist thing and get the Clarets promotion again. What he would likely benefit from, should that happy thing come about next season, would be the backing of the board to bring in Premier League-quality players and a well-experienced assistant manager.

Colin: Parker has shown at Bournemouth, Fulham and Burnley that the Championship is his limit. If he remains at Burnley for a further season, fans will not want another one full of scoreless draws.

Gareth: Parker has a 100% record of failure in the Premier League and a 100% success rate in the Championship. His teams are always relegated and, respectively, always promoted. So, whilst I've had my personal fill of Scott Parker - his tactical ineptitude, his vanity, and the stream-of-consciousness drivel he comes out with to the media - there is no better manager at Championship level. Another dreary season of Parker ball would be worth it to get us promoted back to the Premier League. And then sack the man, in 12 months time, before he can do any more damage.

Mike: Definitely need a change of manager. He might be a Championship promotion specialist but we need a motivational man. Even 'hoofball' Dyche would be a welcome change for me as a last resort. Having said that, I welcome the drop - the Championship is a better spectacle and without VAR. Burnley doesn't have the money or need to be at the business end of football. It is a town and a fans' club. Let's return to the real lifeblood of football.

Keith: Parker should have gone before Christmas, everybody could see where this season was heading. The board have to bear responsibility for letting this season slide into the shambles it became. One win in 25 says all you need to know. Parker is a very decent guy but the football is tedious and boring. Time for a fresh start.

Bob: How could he possibly stay after such an awful season? His mismanagement of the club is there for all to see. If the board were to keep him, I think fans would not tolerate it.

Scott Parker's future as Burnley manager is in the balance following the club's Premier League relegation and former Rangers and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard, 45, could be in contention to replace the 45-year-old. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

This may well be the first relegation I have ever been through where I felt nothing. Not anger, not sadness, not relief. As the final whistle went at Turf Moor on Wednesday night, my Dad and I just simply shrugged at each other and walked to the car. We talked briefly about how we at least won't need to put up with VAR next season, but then returned to our conversations about how I go about driving in a European country, and whether I can fix the leak in my bathroom sink myself (conclusion: I need a plumber).

Scott Parker's post-match interview was telling, in that there was no mention at all of his fans. No words of empathy, no encouraging battle cry and no acknowledgement of their likely disappointment. Perhaps that is our own fault - we have not been shy in vocalising our lack of support for him, and despair at his tactical skills - but the rift between club and fan base is, at present, very apparent.

His future is, if you believe the press, now under discussion with no decision yet being made. It seems futile speculating over likely replacements at this stage - he may well be in the dugout come August - but we are looking at a likely exodus of the current squad, a change in manager and only Kyle Walker pledging his commitment to the Championship campaign.

Is a fresh start necessary? Yes, I think so. But I also empathize with a board who don't want to be a "sacking club" and who seek some longer-term stability. Having to start again for the third time since ALK took over is far from ideal. But sleepwalking into a long spell in the EFL is not the answer either.

So if a new era of manager and squad is necessary, get it right this time.

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

Should Parker stay or go? Tell us here